In the world of fashion, trends come and go, but it seems like the 2000s are making a strong comeback. Low-rise bottoms, fit and flare denim pants, mini skirts, baby tees and velour tracksuits are all making their way back into the fashion scene. This nostalgic revival of Year 2000 (Y2K) aesthetics has been fueled by various influences, including social media platforms like TikTok.
The influence of TikTok on fashion trends cannot be denied. With the ability to easily share videos and images, TikTok has become a hub for fashion inspiration. Hashtags like #fairycore have made it easier for users to find and incorporate different styles into their wardrobes.
While some may argue that the revival of 2000s fashion is merely a marketing buzzword, others see it as a form of escapism from the turmoil and uncertainty of the present day. People are looking back to a time when they were less stressed about the world and finding comfort in the familiar styles of the past.
As the nostalgia of Y2K fashion continues to trend, one thing is clear: fashion is constantly evolving. There’s always the argument that when everything is a trend, nothing feels truly unique, but others see it as an opportunity to express their individuality and creativity through this style. Whether people embrace the 2000s revival or forge a different path, the only thing that matters is assessing one’s authenticity to decide what to add to one’s wardrobe.
This has been a weird decade; some of the most noticeable things have been the revival of a lot of subcultures from the 2000s. Grunge, emo, goth and alternative aesthetics are popular again, thanks in part to both TikTok and Instagram. Some even call this decade “The Rawring 20s,” a nod to the emo boom of the early internet era. Websites like SpaceHey have popped up to revive the MySpace aesthetic, and even 2000s-era compact digital cameras are seen as cool and nostalgic now. This space for revival has many questioning which trends might resurface, and the possibilities are endless.
The return of Y2K fashion has a lot to do with both the original celebrities who made the style popular and the newer artists who are bringing it back. In the early 2000s, stars like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera wore bold and memorable outfits that defined Y2K fashion.
Britney Spears popularized the schoolgirl look with crop tops and low-rise jeans, which are trending again. Paris Hilton made sparkly dresses, velour tracksuits, and tiny handbags iconic, with her “That’s hot” catchphrase becoming part of the early 2000s vibe. Gwen Stefani mixed punk and glam, wearing plaid pants, chain belts and bold hairstyles that made her stand out. Christina Aguilera took fashion risks, wearing edgy outfits with bright colors and bold accessories. Jennifer Lopez set trends with her famous green Versace dress and glamorous red carpet looks.
Today, artists like PinkPantheress and Olivia Rodrigo are helping bring Y2K fashion back into the spotlight. PinkPantheress channels the era with vintage skirts, arm warmers and chunky sneakers, while Olivia Rodrigo’s outfits, featuring butterfly clips, baby tees and pleated skirts, remind people of the early 2000s. A big part of this revival has come from TikTok, where influencers and celebrities showcase their Y2K-inspired looks.
The app’s algorithm pushes viral trends, so when creators post “Get Ready With Me” videos, haul videos or outfit recreations, they spark a wave of interest. Viewers, especially younger ones, see these styles and are inspired to try them out for themselves. Celebrities like Rico Nasty and Saweetie have also embraced Y2K fashion, wearing bold, colorful outfits and shiny accessories, further fueling the trend. TikTok has made these looks more accessible, helping revive the Y2K aesthetic for a whole new generation.
Whether it’s balletcore, royalcore or regencycore, there is a wide range of styles to choose from in this new fashion era. TikTok acts as both a runway and a search engine, just one hashtag away from a complete aesthetic transformation. With microtrends emerging daily, finding inspiration and incorporating niche styles into everyday wardrobes has never been easier. From Russian bimbocore and clowncore to dystopiacore and indie sleaze, the sheer volume of trends reflects how fashion today is less about fitting in and more about standing out.
Now, there’s some truth to trends becoming increasingly reliant on TikTok. Even with so many looks flooding our feeds, such as skirts over trousers, Missoni-Pucci prints, opera gloves, bellhopcore, and mod revival, it’s clear that we’re living in an eclectic and hyper-stylized moment.
Although trends are often viewed negatively, with some arguing that embracing styles universally dulls their unique essence, this overlooks the freedom of expression and experimentation that everyone can tap into by bringing their own interpretation to these styles. While some see it as a recycled era lacking originality, others view it as an exciting opportunity to redefine style.
Whether people fully embrace the 2000s revival of clothing items such as pink tube tops and velour tracksuits or are curating a digital-era aesthetic, fashion remains a space where individuality thrives. In a world full of uncertainty, sometimes a baby tee and a pleated mini skirt offer a small, defiant kind of comfort.
